Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers 2018 roster: Bubble-watch projections after preseason Week 3

By Jeremy Wohlfart

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 29: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers passes in the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 29, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 29: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers passes in the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 29, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 9
Next
49ers WR Richie James
SYRACUSE, NY – SEPTEMBER 09: Richie James #3 of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders outruns Evan Foster #14 of the Syracuse Orange during a third quarter touchdown reception that tied the game at 16-16 on September 9, 2017 at The Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. Middle Tennessee defeats Syracuse 30-23. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Wide receivers:

Kendrick Bourne: Strong chance

Richie James: Strong chance

Aaron Burbridge: Weak chance

Victor Bolden Jr: Weak chance

Aldrick Robinson: Weak chance

Max McCaffrey: Long shot

Steven Dunbar: Long shot

Off the bat, it’s hard to see the very promising Kendrick Bourne or Richie James be allowed to go through waivers. Both are insanely talented and could be very important parts of the 49ers future.

Aaron Burbridge has a stronger chance to make the roster than some might think. He’s currently listed on the official depth chart as a first-choice backup and can play on special teams.

Victor Bolden Jr. and Aldrick Robinson both are chances to stay on the roster, although they might be squeezed out to make room for the additions of James and Dante Pettis who both have impressed. Bolden Jr., it should be noted, has a four-game suspension to serve for a PED violation.

Max McCaffrey and Steven Dunbar are unlikely to have much opportunity to clear the logjam ahead of them in the final few preseason games.

Post-game analysis: 

James flashed once again, hauling in three receptions for 65 yards, and Bourne also contributed with two receptions for 62 yards, and I see them far and away the best receivers on the above list.

The most positive thing for Bourne is Garoppolo did target him, and in the end zone as well. Quarterback targets are one of the most important things to monitor in preseason, and that serves as a good sign.